Am I a Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

by
Vanessa Day

With age comes wisdom. But most people do not want that wisdom etched into their face. The signs of aging and damaged skin are everywhere, ranging from lines and wrinkles to scars and sagging. A common treatment to fight these ailments is laser skin resurfacing, which improves the appearance of skin primarily around the eyes and mouth by lessening the appearance of lines and improving complexion. A laser is used to dissolve the damaged skin cells until skin is smooth and more uniform. But is this procedure right for you, or more appropriately, are you the right candidate for laser skin resurfacing? It is important to be aware of the key characteristics of laser skin resurfacing candidates.

What Makes for a Good Laser Skin Resurfacing Candidate?

A basic requirement before undergoing any cosmetic procedure is good health, but there are other factors to consider. A good candidate for laser skin resurfacing is one with noticeable lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and forehead; acne scars; uneven pigmentation; or sagging. An ideal laser skin resurfacing patient is one with elastic, non-oily skin, who is not prone to scarring from minor cuts. Also, candidates for the surgery should not be taking certain medications, like Accutane, which can increase the risk of scarring; or have skin disorders, such as rosacea or psoriasis.

Good candidates for laser skin resurfacing also need to have realistic expectations about the procedure and its results. Skin resurfacing will not result in perfect skin, but instead improve the appearance of damaged and aging skin. It also cannot remove deep wrinkles or completely eliminate excessive sagging skin, so patients with these skin problems should look into alternative treatments.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Not everyone fits the mold of a good laser skin resurfacing candidate. Factors such as skin type and pigmentation, allergies, previous scars or burns, and medical disorders should be taken into consideration when thinking about skin resurfacing procedures. Skin pigmentation is a big concern with many prospective patients. Darker skin tones are at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, which are conditions that turn the skin darker or lighter after surgery. If patients have the herpes virus infection, the one that causes cold sores, and are prone to breakouts, laser skin resurfacing could worsen this condition, as well.

Risks for Laser Skin Resurfacing Patients

With any surgery there are some risks and side effects that many prospective laser skin resurfacing candidates need to be aware of. Besides changes in skin tone and cold sore breakouts, the procedure can cause prolonged redness and inflammation in the skin. Usually these subside after a couple weeks following the surgery. Other common side effects include Milia, small white bumps that appear during healing. Luckily, these can be removed by a doctor. There is also the possibility that patients could get bacterial infections, acne flare-ups, burns and scars from the procedure.

Before making any decision about getting a laser skin resurfacing treatment, patients need to know if the condition of their skin and their past medical health makes them an ideal candidate for the procedure. If you are considering this treatment, you can schedule a free consultation through Healthy Skin Portal with one of our skilled laser skin resurfacing specialists. Besides, wisdom should be seen in a person’s eyes, not in the lines around them.